Laser pulse duration is 15 ps, penetration depth is 50 nm, fluence is just above the threshold fluence for the onset of ablation

This animation shows the dynamics of spallation and ejection of a large and relatively cold layer of the irradiated sample. The ejection is driven by the relaxation of high thermoelastic pressure that builds up in the absorption region under the conditions of stress confinement. A detailed discussion of the physical mechanisms leading to the material ejection and the parameters of the ejection process is given in [ L. V. Zhigilei and B. J. Garrison, Microscopic Mechanisms of Laser Ablation of Organic Solids in the Thermal and Stress Confinement Irradiation Regimes, J. Appl. Phys. 88, 1281-1298 (2000), Abstract, Full Text:PDF (800 kB) ].

To see animated snapshots from a simulation with the same pulse duration but at two times higher laser fluence click here.

To see animated snapshots from a simulation with the same pulse duration but at slightly (10%) higher laser fluence click here.

To see animated snapshots from a simulation with the same pulse duration but at lower laser fluence, below the threshold for the onset of ablation, click here.

To see animated snapshots from a simulation at laser fluence close to the threshold for the onset of ablation with ten times longer laser pulse, in the regime of thermal confinement, click here.